Thursday, May 7th, 2026

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Thursday, May 7th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Ralph Loos: Cranes aren’t a problem in Illinois – but they aren’t innocent, either

Illinois DNR describes sandhill cranes as “common” in the northern third of the state, but they are not considered a major source of crop damage like many contend that they are in Wisconsin. (Photo by Bob Drieslein)

Talks I give throughout the year to hunting and fishing clubs around Illinois typically end with a round of questions that almost always includes, “How do you coach your writers to write what hunters and fishermen want to read?”
My standard reply: I tell my writers to make a list of things they don’t know. Then write something that teaches them what they don’t know. Actually, opportunities to teach myself things roll across this desk on a regular basis. I work to take my own advice.

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